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Unit Group

2631 Medical Radiation Practitioners

OSCA - Occupation Standard Classification for Australia
Reference period
2024, Version 1.0

2631 Medical Radiation Practitioners

Operate X-ray and other radiation producing and imaging equipment for diagnostic, monitoring and treatment purposes under the direction of Radiologists and other Medical Practitioners.

Sonographers are excluded from this unit group. Sonographers are included in Occupation 263531 Sonographer.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
Occupation

263131 Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Prepares and administers radionuclides or radiopharmaceuticals to detect, diagnose or treat diseases, using specialised imaging equipment.

Registration or licensing is required.

Alternative title

  • Nuclear Medicine Scientist

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals or radionuclides to patients for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
  • Operates and performs quality control on imaging equipment, including positron emission tomograpy/computed tomography (PET/CT), PET/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI), Gamma Cameras, single-photon emission computed tomography/CT (SPECT/CT) cameras and bone density scanners
  • Produces and analyses diagnostic images to identify abnormalities or diseases
  • Maintains detailed records of patients' procedures
  • Adheres to safety standards for the appropriate use, storage and disposal of radioactive materials
  • Provides patient education and instructions regarding imaging procedures and preparations, and provides patients with assistance during procedures
Occupation

263132 Radiation Therapist

Operates high energy X-ray and other radiation and electron generating and monitoring equipment to administer radiation treatment for medical purposes.

Registration or licensing is required.

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Administers radiation therapy to patients using complex equipment, according to prescribed treatment plans
  • Collaborates with Medical Oncologists and other Health Professionals to develop individual treatment plans that provide the greatest effect on disease, with minimal effect to healthy tissue
  • Monitors patients closely throughout treatment to ensure comfort and addresses concerns
  • Explains procedures to patients and families about radiation therapy procedures and potential side effects
  • Ensures radiation therapy equipment is properly maintained and calibrated
  • Keeps up to date with advancements in radiation therapy technology and techniques
Occupation

263133 Radiographer

Operates X-ray and other medical imaging equipment to produce images for medical diagnostic purposes.

Registration or licensing is required.

Alternative titles

  • Diagnostic Radiographer
  • Medical Imaging Technologist

Specialisations

  • Mammographer
  • Medical Radiation Scientist

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Operates a variety of imaging equipment such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, nuclear scans and ultrasound, to produce diagnostic images
  • Ensures patient safety and comfort during imaging procedures
  • Positions and adjusts patients and selects appropriate image techniques and settings to achieve optimal image quality
  • Evaluates images for technical quality and accuracy
  • Collaborates with Radiologists and other Medical Practitioners to interpret and analyse imaging results
  • Prepares findings for Medical Practitioners to interpret for medical diagnostic purposes